Support filaments are used in FDM 3D printing to stabilize overhangs and complex structures that could not otherwise hold themselves during the printing process. They enable printing complicated geometries by creating temporary support structures that are removed after printing. These support materials are either water-soluble or mechanically removable and are specially designed to separate easily from the main print material without affecting print quality.
Types of support filaments:
-
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
PVA is the best-known water-soluble support filament. It is often combined with filaments like PLA or PETG because it dissolves easily in water, making the removal of support structures easier without leaving residues. PVA is especially suitable for complex prints where manual removal of supports would be problematic.- Properties: Water-soluble, biodegradable, easy to handle
- Applications: Complex models, technical prototypes, figures and models with many overhangs
-
BVOH (Butenediol Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer)
BVOH is another water-soluble support material often considered more advanced than PVA. It dissolves faster in water and offers better compatibility with a wider range of printing materials, including PLA, PETG, and even ABS.- Properties: Faster dissolving in water, better compatibility
- Applications: Demanding technical models, multi-material prints with different main materials
-
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
HIPS is a support material that dissolves in limonene (an organic solvent). It is often used in combination with ABS filaments because it has similar printing conditions (temperature, shrinkage) as ABS, ensuring good adhesion during the printing process. After printing, HIPS is removed by soaking in limonene while the main material remains intact.- Properties: Soluble in limonene, stable, compatible with ABS
- Applications: Complex ABS prints, technical components, functional prototypes
-
PLA as support material
PLA can also be used as a support material when the main print material is PLA. However, the support material must be removed mechanically since PLA is not soluble in water or other solvents. This method is mainly used for simple geometries or for non-soluble materials.- Properties: Mechanically removable, cost-effective
- Applications: Less complex prints where support structures are easily accessible and detachable
Use cases for support filaments:
- Complex overhangs: Support materials are ideal for models with overhangs greater than 45 degrees or free-floating structures that would collapse without support.
- High detail accuracy: For models with complex geometries or very fine details where manual removal could cause damage, water-soluble support materials like PVA or BVOH are essential.
- Technical prototypes: In development and prototyping, support materials enable printing of movable and interlocking parts that are fully functional after support removal.
Advantages of support filaments:
- Improved printing possibilities: Enable complex structures that would not be feasible without support.
- Easy removal: Water-soluble filaments like PVA and BVOH dissolve residue-free in water, minimizing post-processing effort.
- More flexibility: They expand design freedom in 3D printing and enable functional and aesthetic models that would not be possible without supports.
Support filaments play a crucial role in 3D printing, especially in producing complex or highly detailed models. The choice of the right support material depends on the specific requirements of the print as well as the main material used.